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Designer, Interior Architect
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Interior designers create and enhance interior spaces. They ensure the spaces they work on are aesthetically pleasing, functional, and focused on quality of life and safety.
They plan new interiors and renovate existing ones. They work on residential single- and multi-family dwellings. They also work on non-residential buildings up to a limited size, such as offices, restaurants, and stores.
When creating plans, interior designers consider:
Responsibilities vary from one position or project to another. In general, interior designers:
Interior designers may perform some project management tasks. For example, they may:
Interior designers may work with other professionals such as architects, engineers, and environmental specialists. For some project types identified in the Architects Act [pdf], interior designers may work under the supervision of registered professionals.
They work closely with general contractors to ensure that workers interpret their drawings correctly. When there is no general contractor, they may coordinate the activities of trades such as painters and carpenters.
In Alberta, only licensed interior designers can practice the full scope of interior design as defined in the Architects Act and Architects Act General Regulation [pdf]. They are considered registered professionals by the Architects Act and the Alberta Building Code. Interior designers are sometimes called interior architects. In addition to the duties described above, licensed interior designers can:
In Alberta, architects can perform all the duties of licensed interior designers. In addition, they can handle issues related to the exterior building shell, environmental separations, and exits.
Both interior designers and interior decorators are concerned with how a space looks and functions. However, interior designers are involved with more technical considerations such as acoustics and health and safety issues. (Interior decorators focus on the ornamental and moveable parts of interiors such as furniture, rugs, and curtains. They also focus on fixed details that can be easily added, such as moldings and built-in furniture.)
Working conditions vary considerably. Interior designers frequently meet with clients, other consultants, and contractors. They may meet at:
Work hours are sometimes long or irregular. They may include weekends and evenings.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to develop plans, elevations, cross sections and detailed drawings, and advise on selection of colours, finishes and materials, floor and wall coverings, interior and exterior lighting, furniture and other items, taking into account ergonomic and occupational health standards
Interest in precision working with equipment to prepare plans and specifications for final interior designs in accordance with current practices and codes; and to estimate costs and materials required
Interest in consulting with clients to determine needs, preferences, safety requirements and purpose of space; may advise on leasing, real estate and marketing
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Interior designers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 26, 2022 and Jul 10, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Consult with clients to determine needs, preferences, safety requirements and purpose of space | 89 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Develop plans, elevations, cross sections and detailed drawings | 80 |
| Tasks: Read blueprint, schemas and drawings | 79 |
| Tasks: Advise on selection of colours, finishes and materials, lighting, furniture and other items, taking into account ergonomic and occupational health standards | 77 |
| Tasks: Develop detailed plans and 3-D models showing arrangement of walls, dividers, displays, lighting and other fixtures | 77 |
| Tasks: Create interior spaces that reflect clients' needs and tastes | 76 |
| Attention to detail | 66 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 64 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 57 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 55 |
There are no standard educational requirements for interior designers in Alberta.
There are educational requirements to apply for:
Some post-secondary schools offer 2-year interior design diploma programs. Graduates of these programs will need further education and a longer period of work experience to qualify for professional registration.
Interior designers must stay up to date with technological advancements in software programs such as AutoCAD and Revit.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Architects design buildings and advise clients regarding building projects. They prepare programs, sketches, and cost estimates. They also produce construction drawings to scale, write specifications, and review on-site construction work.
Under Alberta’s Architects Act [pdf] and Architects Act General Regulation [pdf], registration with the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) is mandatory. Only registered members may:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Architect.
Licensed interior designers create and enhance interior spaces. They aim to improve quality of life, increase productivity, and protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Under Alberta’s Architects Act [pdf] and Architects Act General Regulation [pdf], registration with the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) is mandatory. Only licensed interior designers may:
You do not have to be licensed if you do not carry out any of the above. However, you must clearly articulate the limited scope of services you are permitted to provide.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Interior Designer.
Various organizations in Alberta offer registration to non-licensed interior designers:
Registration with these organizations is voluntary. To learn about registration requirements, visit the organization’s website.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Interior designers work in:
Graduates of recognized 4-year degree programs usually begin work in interior design firms or architectural firms, or in the planning departments of corporations or institutions.
Graduates of 2-year diploma programs often work for home builders, kitchen and bath manufacturers, or flooring companies. Or they may work as assistants in interior design firms or architectural firms.
Some work in retail sales positions (see the Interior Decorator occupational profile). Others may work in technical sales positions with commercial suppliers (see the Technical Sales Representative occupational profile). Experience gained in sales positions may not be eligible for credit toward professional accreditation.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Interior designers and interior decorators
2016 NOC: 5242
84.7% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $19.23 | $32.86 | $25.59 | $24.28 |
| Overall | $22.60 | $43.14 | $32.97 | $31.61 |
| Top | $30.87 | $61.54 | $41.65 | $41.18 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $67,555 |
|---|---|
| Construction | $68,309 |
| Manufacturing | $64,648 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $69,485 |
| Public Administration | $92,035 |
Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) website: www.aaa.ab.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) website: www.accredit-id.org
Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) website: www.cidq.org
Decorators and Designers Association of Canada (DDA Canada) website: ddacanada.com
Interior Designers of Alberta (IDA) website: www.idalberta.ca
Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) website: www.idcanada.org
National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) website: www.nkba.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
